Report: A’s Interested In Nick Franklin

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(1090 The Fan) — Mariners infielder Nick Franklin has been involved in trade talks ever since the arrival of second baseman Robinson Cano last winter. Now, he’s reportedly become a “top target” for a division rival.

Susan Slusser of the San Francisco Chronicle reports Oakland is interested in Franklin but wonders if Seattle would be willing to strike a deal with the A’s who are currently nine games ahead of the Mariners, leading the American League West. Seattle has maintained a relatively high asking price for Franklin, and it would likely be even higher for Oakland.

Franklin, 23, failed to outperform Brad Miller during Spring Training which resulted in Miller getting the starting shortstop job and Franklin being demoted to Triple-A Tacoma. Franklin has only appeared in 17 games with the Mariners this season — mostly to fill in for injured players. In 52 plate appearances, Franklin’s line is .128/.192/.363 with two RBI. However, with the Rainiers Franklin hold a line of .300/.394/.481.